Skylight or roof windows certainly open up unlimited views of the sky. However, they also pose a challenge when it comes to dressing them compared to standard vertical windows. Skylight blinds are necessary to block out excessive sunlight, heat and noise. The cooling effect means that less energy is used to keep a room cool using devices like fans. There are blinds that filter light and those that are made of fabric, which captures heat and sunlight. They help to preserve furnishings that would start to fade when hit with UV rays.
Installation
Shades for roof windows are more difficult to install because of the fact that they are high up on the roof. Getting the appropriate size is also tricky. These ones also hang differently than those on upright windows. They are fixed and held in place with side rails and tension.
Installed Inside
Outer sun shades are mounted on the outside of the window frames in the case of standard windows. These open towards the outside, which causes no obstruction with the shades. Roof windows are different in that their hinge is usually in the center. Blinds therefore need to be fitted in such a way that they open towards the inner side of the sash enabling easy opening and closing.
Different Shades
There are different kinds of shades for roof windows. The most popular type is blackout blinds. They are loved for their ability to completely remove all sunlight and a lot of heat and noise. They are usually custom made. They come as a cartridge with aluminum side rails and are adjustable. Those with plastic rails will soon become loose and faded because of the heat of the sun and are best avoided.
Pleated Blinds
Another kind is pleated blinds. They are made of fabric that is pleated and then attached into a length of wire. They are not long lasting and not popular. Roller blinds are the least expensive. They are simply constructed around a loaded cask with the tension of the cask keeping them tightly positioned in the window. Wooden side pieces are used to hold them in place or clips are used to hold the blind where it should be.
Venetian Blinds
There are also Venetians. These are fixed onto a wire or cable, which makes it possible to open and close them. Opt for those with aluminum slats and avoid plastic ones that are soon worn out by the sun. Some come with a pole for adjusting the slats but these are unappealing.
Awnings
Awnings are a fifth option. They are most effective in that they do not allow the heat and light of the sun to hit a window. They also hinder rain. They will mostly be made with dark colored mesh that captures a good amount of the sunlight and heat. They therefore maintain low temperatures and reduce glare. The soft furnishings in a room are also protected from harsh UV rays that can cause them to start fading.
The skylight blinds are not made in large scale like those of standard windows. A search on the web will lead you to those who manufacture or stock them. The exterior vertical blinds are available in many colors but dark ones are the preference of many.